84 years of family history for new graduate

AN international student has graduated from the University of Leeds - over 80 years after his pioneering great-grandfather was awarded a degree by the same institution.

Adnan Intekhab even lived in student accommodation close to his ancestor Motaber Khan’s old digs in Hyde Park while studying for an MSc in supply chain management.

Adnan, 24, who is from Hyderabad in India, wore his relative’s old university tie pin for his Masters graduation ceremony in honour of his family’s educational achievements.

Motaber came to Leeds in 1929, when his home countrywas still part of British India and under colonial rule, and graduated in 1932 with a bachelor’s degree in commerce. Numbers of international students at British universities were low during the period when he was an undergraduate.

His great-grandson studied the same subject at university in Hyderabad before moving to England for his postgraduate programme.

The graduate admitted he had chosen Leeds because of his relative’s experience of the city.

“I was interested in studying at the University of Leeds because of the family connection.” said Adnan.

“I have loved my time at Leeds. The course was even better than I expected. And I have been able to retrace my great-grandfather’s footsteps; for example, he lived on Regent Park Terrace, Hyde Park and I lived nearby on St Mark’s Street. It is still a residential place inhabited by students – it is strange to think of him being there all those years ago.”

Adnan was among 3,000 students who received his degree at University of Leeds ceremonies this week. He is now considering whether to remain in the UK to begin his career or return overseas.